Challenging weather and a remote location make delivering freight to and from Alaska a complex operation. To simplify operations, many shippers turn to transportation companies and logistics service providers that have the expertise to make sure freight flows smoothly despite the complexities.

The St. Louis region offers an ideal transportation infrastructure to move goods, skilled labor to meet the peaks and valleys of industrial demand, and the availability of highly qualified IT personnel to manage staff and facilities.

From well-designed redundancies across intermodal shipping methods to creative solutions when the unexpected happens, Georgia’s logistics industry is positioned to help shippers connect, compete, and grow.

3PLs tout IoT as top disruptive innovation in the supply chain; Hyundai and Accenture team up to design smarter ship; TMS use has tripled over the past decade; new sustainability web platform helps shippers assess key trends and best practices.

Texas places three locations among ATRI’s top-10 congested roadways; Truck size and weight debate is a divisive topic for the transportation and logistics industry; Truck driver shortage raises new concerns and costs for shippers and carriers; Electronics supply chain poses new challenges; Demand planning is still a pain point for shippers

South Korean ocean liner Hanjin Shipping files for bankruptcy protection in a dozen countries; Few respondents to a GT Nexus survey say they have a chief supply chain officer on hand who would be equipped to deal with supply chain disruptions; Maersk splits its transportation and oil businesses

As intermodal grows, so do its challenges. Increasing cargo volumes create bottlenecks and congestion; while the capacity shortage has everyone scrambling. How are shippers and service providers coping? This article helps solve the dilemma.

Jacksonville, Florida’s transportation infrastructure, skilled workforce, and available land makes it an attractive site for businesses siting new locations for logistics services and manufacturing, writes Michael Breen of JAXUSA Partnership.

The winter of 2013-14 disrupted the intermodal shipping industry in North America, causing service problems and impeding growth. However, intermodal now offers a number of attractive advantages for shippers, particularly as rail operations pour resources into their intermodal efforts to strengthen service and compete with trucking. Sites that specialize in intermodal utilize innovations to streamline the process and apply new resources to make for an increasingly efficient and effective distribution process.

Inbound Logistics talks to carriers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers about sure-fire ways to save money on LTL shipments and serves up a list of 18 tips that will help shippers of all types and sizes.

Supply chain logistics companies view veterans as a crucial pool of potential employees, and consequently they are using a range of methods to recruit and hire former members of the military for their workforces.

The Panama Canal expansion, completed on June 26, 2016, will have an ever-widening impact on cargo flow across North America. Here's how the culmination of this decade-long expansion project will rewrite the rules of shipping.

The Port of Lewiston, Port of Clarkston, and Port of Whitman County—also known as the Pioneer Ports—are positioned to offer reduced shipping costs to companies purchasing goods from Pacific Rim suppliers.

New York State minimum wage directive may be a tipping point for automation in the fast food industry; Organic food recalls are on the rise; Alix Partners reports that nearshoring trend continues to grow; Pro truck interests take weight restriction fight in new direction; 2015 holiday shoppers are looking for options; The cash handling supply chain is poised to move from manual processing to scanning technology, thanks to the new GS1 US Cash Visibility Discussion Group.

U.S. beef supply chain participants form partnership to improve sustainability; Manufacturers and retailers fail to adopt best-in-class processes and technology to address global complexities; Online retailers need to rethink how they align their distribution networks; Spot market rates dip seasonally as West Coast volumes catch up; Staples and Syracuse University partner to drive new research and innovation.

United States and Canada are investing $7 billion in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system; Changing political relations between the United States and Cuba could signal new trade opportunities; UK faces a truck driver shortage among younger people; Panama approves new port development

When a merger required Nature’s Way to consolidate distribution facilities, it called on the services of system supplier The Numina Group for a new design and technologies. Today, the facility successfully distributes products to customers in 50 states, and overseas through five supply chain channels.

Christopher Chung, CEO of the Missouri Partnership, describes how Missouri's efficient use of state resources results in efficient transportation that does not compromise safety or customer satisfaction.

U.S. transportation spending lags, according to Transportation Performance Indexes; International air cargo traffic increases; Ocean volumes rise; Large corporations band together to help smaller suppliers sell goods and services to global companies.

3PL warehouses are not only in demand, but in a position of strength. This provides 3PL operators a unique opportunity to build lasting relationships with key customers, suppliers, and retailers of their choice.

With no standard terminology in an already-complex industry, it’s not surprising that so many TMS buyers have trouble figuring out the differences between solutions and which one best fits their needs. Here's how to cut through the confusion.

Most companies have insurance to protect their property and equipment, their vehicles, and their operations from disruptions due to natural disasters and other events. For companies with extensive supply chains, cargo insurance can be an important addition to this list.

Today, we face the slow extinction of independent owner-operators. These self-reliant business owners are now dealing with a myriad of regulations that will soon make the owner-operator model impractical, and its survival improbable.

As product demand continues to rise, companies in all industries are partnering with third-party logistics (3PL) providers to ensure their products are delivered to customers on time and cost effectively.

Each year, 30 Major League Baseball teams travel for spring training and dozens of road games in a complex logistics web that's all the more incredible for its anonymity. When you're carrying all the bats, the game can't start until the truck arrives.

Winter provides a great advantage–time. The hustle and bustle of the holidays is over and colder weather prevails. There’s no better time to hit the books and amp up your knowledge of important logistics and supply chain management issues.

Even when the economy isn’t booming, the supply chain offers numerous opportunities for shippers to increase efficiency, save money and enhance revenues. This story looks at some of the bright spots in transportation, technology, global trade and outsourcing.

Supply chain professionals are concerned: Would the new president implement the protectionist measures he campaigned on, or were those statements made primarily to appeal to an audience? Here are four supply chain predictions.

Retailers need to come together in support of the trade agreement that will ultimately improve the industry for all. Here are three reasons why they should stand behind the passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Presidential nominee stances on transportation infrastructure; New truck standards aim to reduce U.S. carbon emissions; Staffing Agencies and Colleges Work to Make Certain the Supply Chain Stays Supplied

On the water and in the air, by road and by rail, the Sunshine State stands out as a logistics superstar. But stick around awhile – it’s also a great place to live, work, and to keep your products safe for the long haul.

ElectriCities of North Carolina works with companies closely to make sure they weigh electrical service and costs when planning to expand a site or relocate to a new one. Utilities such as ElectriCities must explore the unique circumstances of each company to help them meet their electrical needs in the most effective and cost-efficient way possible.

When shippers pair an import transport move with an export transport move inland, without returning empty to the port, they get a matchback or street-turn. Optimizing these street-turns can improve supply chains.

Brexit shakes up global supply chain; Amazon invests $3 billion in India; Hyperloop targets Russia as site for science fiction-like transit tube; Australian truckies want better working conditions; Despite the best-laid plans by multinational companies to establish trade compliance, there’s a costly risk gap between knowing and doing that may lead to fines and incarceration.

With the growth of e-commerce, retailers have identified a potential opportunity to reduce working capital by thinning inventory at brick-and-mortar stores—opting instead to maintain major portions of inventory at distribution centers upstream.

Technology can make the difference between profit and loss in a low-margin environment. As margins squeeze ever tighter, staying current with technology can make the ultimate difference ultimate success or failure.

Emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, 3-D printing, collaborative robotics, self-driving trucks, drones and the Uberization of deliveries are poised to be disruptive influences on logistics in the coming years.

Tremendous logistical advantages—combined with a central geographic location, highly skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment—make Georgia an ideal site for new manufacturing and distribution facilities.

Site selection and expansion is a science. This article discusses what industry leaders are doing to ensure new sites and expansions improve their supply chains, resulting in long-term growth and success, and how logistics professionals should respond in 2016 and beyond.

As the deadline for PTC implementation looms, Class II and Class III railroads will likely find that the Class Is demand their participation in both PTC capital implementation costs and ongoing maintenance costs.

Companies searching for the just the right spot to locate their manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other facilities rank energy high on the list of their priorities. This article explore the sites that rise to the top of the list.

Vehicle-to-Vehicle communications and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure technologies will revolutionize transportation by making our road system safer, more efficient, and less dependent upon the human element for effective decision-making.

A route planning systems can drastically reduce the time it takes to plan your transportation schedule. Other benefits include lower mileage and fuel usage, decreased carbon emissions, and increased customer service.

Vendor Managed Inventory is shaking off its old-school image and regaining popularity thanks to improved technology, robust communication, tighter demand signal linkage, and a new openness to collaboration that has turbo-charged enterprise benefits.

Inclement weather and capacity problems giving your supply chain the winter woes? Chill out! Here are some good reads to keep you up to date on supply chain, logistics, and transportation best practices.

Technology is enabling an unprecedented level of transparency and communication to help shippers and their logistics providers understand each other's operations, and collaborate in ways that were much more difficult in the past.

Online retailers seeking new sites for DCs and warehouses need the transportation infrastructure to support a constant, rapid-fire flow of shipments – plus a capable workforce, affordable utilities, and business incentives to help them get the most from their investment.

The Panama Canal expansion, to be completed in 2015, will impact global commerce and affect trade patterns to the U.S. East Coast. Ports such as PortMiami are preparing themselves to accept the new class of mega cargo ships, says Bill Johnson of PortMiami.

Supply chain partners are taking cues from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and making concerted efforts to share and apply security best practices throughout their organizations and supply chain operations, says Howard Finkel of COSCO Container Lines Americas.

Nebraska offers numerous advantages to businesses that operate manufacturing and distribution facilities in the state, including affordable and competent labor, attractive and available land, reliable and low-cost utilities, and accessible and economically competitive transportation.

As retailers look to grow their business, the challenge of keeping up with the market becomes exponentially greater—especially as new channels emerge, writes Editor Felecia Stratton. Supply chain management can help create balance between supply and demand.

Missouri’s location at the Crossroads of America has been one of the state’s greatest assets, their integrated transportation system maximizes its geographic and natural resources, creating economic advantages for the state and working as a conduit between rural and urban areas.

Many companies, including Kimberly-Clark, Ebro, and USG Corporation, are moving beyond the traditional, transactional shipper-3PL relationship to form collaborative partnerships focused on mutual gain.

Increasing demand for U.S. goods in Canada represents a positive sign for the economies of both countries. But keeping cross-border shipments moving requires building smart and savvy logistics partnerships.

Companies are increasingly realizing that supply chain must become a core competency. Adding a supply chain control tower and taking on the fourth-party logistics (4PL) role offers them the ability to accelerate collaboration and achieve higher performance levels.

Many state governments support transportation and logistics infrastructure development and legislation that facilitate business retention, investment, and expansion. Economic development efforts in Virginia, Iowa, Idaho, Utah, and Wisconsin demonstrate a variety of approaches to supporting in-state businesses.

Demand for industrial real estate near U.S. seaports is outpacing demand for industrial sites in general. Whether it actively buys and develops land or simply improves its own facilities to draw more interest, port authorities are crucial partners in regional economic development initiatives.

A central location, well-developed transportation infrastructure, emerging trade connections with Asia and South America, and unified vision for economic development have made the bi-state metropolitan area around St. Louis a global intermodal crossroads.

Capable third-party logistics (3PL) providers can help you manage rising logistics costs because they have highly developed processes and critical infrastructures in place, writes Brad Constantini, Comprehensive Logistics.

Amazon closes Texas distribution facility over sales tax dispute; Robert Guenther of United Fresh Produce Association comments on FDA Food Safety Modernization Act; U.S. General Services Administration rolls out green guidelines for government suppliers; Crossdocking use is on the rise

Small and mid-sized manufacturers lack the scale to ship in full truckloads, creating thousands of separate, inefficient lines of supply—all moving to the same mass retailers. Collaborative distribution reduces the number of trucks on the road and cuts distribution costs.

Retailers publish routing guides to establish rules for manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to follow when fulfilling and shipping orders. Here are the benefits of establishing a routing guide.

Logistics leaders can make a difference when they actively collaborate with the government on regulatory issues, workforce training, and infrastructure development, writes John A. Evans, Evans Distribution Systems.

Managing transportation has become increasingly challenging as customers grow more demanding and the driver shortage constrains capacity. Consider these three innovations, which can deliver short-term return on investment:

Supply chains face a conundrum when it comes to speed: no matter how automated your processes are internally, you’re only as fast as the next guy in the chain. Here’s what it takes to be e-commerce fast.

Ensuring your transportation operation is making the most efficient use of vehicles, fuel, and drivers should be a high priority. Use these tips to keep transportation costs in check while boosting your bottom line.

Amazon and other large retailers set customer expectations by offering expedited delivery at low or no cost. Retailers of all sizes must compete on the same turf, yet lack the negotiating power that could net meaningful discounts with commercial carriers.

The holiday sales rush presents both an opportunity and a challenge for shippers as they navigate high-volume orders and expectations for next-day shipping. By leveraging supply chain automation, shippers can meet this year’s higher-than-ever consumer demands while staying competitive.

A tighter truck market, increase in national shipments, and accelerated factory output are among the highlights of the Q3 2017 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index, which measures quantitative changes in shipment and spend activity (see chart) based on data from transactions the company processes.

In light of a strengthening economy, business owners, controllers, and chief financial officers (CFOs) at companies in need of shipping solutions should evaluate their fleet needs and understand their equipment and financing options.

Strengthening economies, increasing globalization, the growth of e-commerce, and software that enables companies to more precisely calculate the trade-offs between air and other transportation modes are driving growth in the airfreight market.

The implementation of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate will affect shippers’ supply chain capacity. Shippers and receivers can help with the transition and beyond by understanding the limitations that drivers face.

With the pre-holiday freight push starting earlier than usual, trepidation remaining about the implications of the ELD mandate, and rates at multi-year highs, now is the time for shippers to take a strategic approach to control costs and service issues.

In early 2017, major ocean cargo carriers further consolidated from four alliances to three that dominate global trade. Because this change impacts shippers in a number of ways that include lanes and ports of call, it’s important to know how best to work with them to minimize risks. Experts share best practices that will help.

For some retailers, holiday sales can represent up to 27.4 percent of annual sales. Having a clear understanding of your historical trends for seasonal goods is critical for forecasting seasonal categories this upcoming season.

As ocean shipping becomes increasingly digitized, blockchain will play a key role, providing authenticated data and bringing costs down. Here’s what SMBs should be doing now to get ready for a blockchain future.

The upcoming electronic logging device (ELD) mandate affects more than just the carriers and owner/operators that will be directly responsible for using the devices in their trucks. Here’s how to adjust your truckload strategy.

Complying with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act has been a top priority for manufacturers and their 3PLs. Yet, more than one year later, one in five outside truckers arrive at our facility, often unknowingly, in violation of FSMA standards. Here’s how we can all get on the same page.

Selecting a transportation mode and carrier isn’t as simple as identifying the fastest or least expensive option. It’s a complicated process that takes into account timelines and risks as well as budgets. Industry experts share best practices that will help save money and prevent costly mistakes.

Mobile commerce is expected to become a $250-billion market by 2020, with an increasing number of sales being done via smartphone apps, says the 2017 UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper. Here are key takeaways for retailers.

The supply chain that is supported by professional drivers often includes three or more cogs to eventually get the product safely, and on time, to the end user. When an interruption occurs within the supply chain, the professional drivers are the individuals who step up and make sacrifices to get the gears back in line.

This week presents a good opportunity to recognize the 3.5 million trucking professionals across the country whose work is some of the most personally demanding and economically significant in the United States.

More than 80 percent of U.S. communities rely exclusively on truck drivers to deliver their goods and commodities. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 10-16, highlights the efforts of professional truck drivers.

Choosing the third-party logistics partner (3PL) that has the resources and expertise to handle every fulfillment challenge will help suppliers adapt to ever-evolving market conditions and complex customer requirements.

New technologies, consumer demands, and the rise of the mobile workforce are shifting the business landscape quickly, and specialized workers in supply chain and logistics are more valuable than ever. Use these tips to plan and attract the industry’s future leaders.

This story looks at some of the trends and challenges associated with e-commerce today, and strategies for dealing with those challenges, through the eyes of one small retailer, one medium-sized and one large.

Getting a distribution center in shape for a high-volume holiday or seasonal period requires advance planning to make sure all systems work, the facility is properly staffed, and temporary workers are properly trained. Inbound Logistics asked the experts for their holiday preparation advice; they provided these seven commandments that will light the way.

Whole Foods’ 460+ centrally located stores will augment Amazon’s physical infrastructure and allow it to use the stores as distribution centers. In return, Amazon’s targeted transaction data, technological expertise, and logistical prowess catapult Whole Foods into the online realm and suggest a new level of convenience.

By quickly adapting to various industries and commodities and responding to client requests with urgency and an extremely high level of customer service quality, a strong 3PL will find it can outlast even the most convenient warehousing options.

The advent of autonomous vehicles is nothing short of a revolution. For the logistics world, it could mean a near end to human-caused accidents and could single-handedly eliminate the driver shortage problem.

Distributors continue to play a valuable role within many supply chains. At the same time, changing business models, and especially the rise of e-commerce, are prompting many to enhance the services they offer.

CVS Pharmacy, Amazon, and others have invested more than $456 million in warehousing and distribution centers in the KC region, adding 4,700 jobs since 2015. How has this mid-sized Midwestern region been so successful attracting logistics operations? Why are experts predicting continued growth?

National average spot truckload rates for van and flatbed freight rose during the week ending May 20 while the rate for spot refrigerated freight remained at its highest mark since January, according to DAT Solutions.

Broward County's Port Everglades received unanimous approval from the Broward County Board of County Commissioners to begin a $437.5 million expansion project to add new berths for larger cargo ships and install crane rail infrastructure for new Super Post-Panamax cranes.

The retail industry's international expansion slowed a bit in 2016 from its strong pace of a year earlier as retailers adjusted to e-commerce and shifting exchange rates, according to CBRE Group Inc.’s international retail expansion study.

While cutting transportation costs seems like a tall order, there are a few easy ways to work with your company’s procurement department to cut spending without impacting the benefits of strategic logistics.

American Trucking Associations opened the application window for its premier industry leadership initiative, LEAD ATA. The program is searching for diverse trucking industry leaders looking to grow their careers and meet other ambitious trucking professionals.

Click and collect has become a key component of retailers' overall e-commerce strategy. Nearly one third of shoppers purchased products online and subsequently picked them up at a store during the 2016 holiday season.

Spring cargo numbers from the St. Lawrence Seaway and U.S. ports are signaling a better year for Great Lakes-Seaway shipping. According to the latest figures from the St. Lawrence Seaway, total cargo shipments via the Seaway from the start of the shipping season (March 20 through April 30) reached 3.7 million metric tons, up 8% from the same period a year ago.

With changing cost dynamics, renewed focus on consistent quality, and new supply chain opportunities, the United States is becoming an increasingly attractive base for manufacturers. Explore the four reasons shoring up reshoring.

South Carolina Ports Authority had its strongest April container volumes on record, with 189,315 twenty foot-equivalent units (TEUs) handled last month. In addition to being the strongest April in SCPA history, last month’s volumes were the second-highest ever handled by the Port.

Finding the right candidate for your business is a challenge that requires broad advertising, rigorous interviews, and ultimately some give and take. Here are five hacks for outstanding recruiting in supply chain management.

The shared economy leverages shared access to goods and services to allow suppliers and consumers to redistribute and reuse excess capacity. Here's why the 'shareconomy' will be a supply chain game-changer and how professionals can begin moving in that direction.

From basic improvements like streamlining operations and increasing process efficiency to fully automating delivery trucks, technology is enabling much smarter, simpler supply chain management. Read about the three technologies making the most impact.

The subscription box industry launched by beauty products curator Birchbox in 2010 has expanded to include services for a remarkably wide range of consumer interests. A behind-the-scenes peek at this new e-commerce model reveals a highly complicated business that relies heavily on logistics pros managing everything from inventory to kitting to delivery and returns.

Aaron Leach is senior director of supply chain with Wayne Farms, LLC, in Oakwood, Ga. He has held this position since 2013. Wayne Farms is the sixth largest vertically integrated producer and processor of poultry in the United States.

Future of globalization uncertain in current political landscape, Carlos Slim says Trump presidency could be good for Mexico, IATA promotes advancement of air cargo standards, India seeks to expand air cargo infrastructure, 10 supply chain predictions for the future of manufacturing.

To overcome the challenges that e-commerce presents to the supply chain, shippers need to succeed at omni-channel fulfillment. From leveraging brick-and-mortar stores to deploying an order management system, here’s how they can compete in an e-commerce world.

Cruise ship provisions must support a small town at sea for a week or more. Supplies are loaded on a docked vessel in four hours or less; there’s no second chance for deliveries that arrive after the ship has sailed.

Distribution centers (DCs) play a key role in the overall success of each peak season, as supply chain professionals must meet the surge in consumer demand and fulfill orders efficiently. Here are 10 ways to help you identify and fill seasonal needs of distribution centers.

With heavy competition from Amazon in both retail and supply chain logistics, retailers that don’t begin making changes and investments in omni-channel in 2017 will see serious repercussions by 2020. For starters, they must invest in distributed order management and enterprise wide inventory visibility.

Implementing material handling automation within a distribution center requires an experienced systems integration, which acts as a matchmaker to ensure the software communicates fully and freely with the facility’s equipment.

Having all supply chain players connected to an intelligent cargo system maximizes the use of port infrastructure and keeps everyone informed on the “where is my cargo?” question. Accessing and sharing information on cargo through new technologies will not only smooth flows but it will also secure them.

As professionals who understand the entire process of manufacturing, shipping, and marketing products, and who recognize that suppliers can be closely aligned with the company’s goals and objectives, chief procurement officers help define a company’s competitive advantage.

Hiring challenges in the supply chain sector include attracting the best talent, developing leaders, and retaining high performers. To solve these issues, employers must step up and build training programs that instill passion, share purpose, provide clear leadership and promotion tracks, are authentic, and ultimately diminish turnover.

Oregon-based manufacturer Blount International was bleeding money from leaks all across its supply chain. It found that the correct application of the right data management technology provided and maintained by the right partner was the solution to the problem.

Freight rail has become an integral part of many global supply chains, driving the need for complete visibility across modes and giving rise to a new suite of technologies. Shippers who know how to make effective use of these technologies gain an advantage.

Rising consumer expectations are driving change throughout the supply chain. And there’s no tougher test for meeting increased expectations than Black Friday. The time is now for warehouse managers to examine the three critical success factors in warehouse labor management.

The supply chain strategy shift, from business cost efficiency to customer purchase location flexibility, is similar to the Copernican Revolution. Here’s how supply chain managers can increase product velocity using a customer-centric business model.

Ice cream companies have to ensure their products maintain their quality as they travel from the manufacturing plant to distribution center to the retailer, and finally into the consumer’s shopping cart and home. Cold chain management and proper sanitation are key ingredients.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) implemented the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirement to verify container weight as a condition to load marine cargo into a ship. It recently issued a memo on how to enforce the requirement for three months after July 1, 2016 when it will go into effect. How should shippers interpret this update?

Texts, tweets, and posts are changing the ways in which the supply chain operates. Large suppliers and warehousing companies should use social media to better communicate with consumers and maximize productivity.

The reverse logistics hazmat rule became effective immediately upon publication on March 31, 2016, making it critical that retail store owners and distribution managers get up to speed quickly. Here's how.

Disruption is coming to the freight and logistics industry. By seeing and understanding the full spectrum of operations, transport-oriented firms can survive and succeed in a dramatically changed environment.

Through automated, rules-based wave management and replenishment, American Hotel Register Company was able to eliminate manual sortation and create multiple, tailored options to proactively release orders by type.

Supply chain professionals face increasing complexity. In order to succeed, they must prepare for data security concerns, identify preferred team member attributes, and develop a strong collective financial acumen.

As major airlines implement the eAWB single-process approach in March 2016, industry-wide involvement in the program is encouraged for all participants as paperless air cargo supply chain operations lower costs, increase data accuracy, and improve the customer experience.

Now is the right time to improve your supply chain’s stability, scalability and resiliency. Transportation providers are seeking collaboration with shippers as their networks have also experienced significant change.

If there’s one lesson that we’ve learned from fine bourbon or whiskey, it’s that good things come to those who wait. Distilleries know this better than anyone. But when it’s time to get that product out the door and in the hands of distributors, the last thing a distiller wants to do is wait.

East Coast Warehouse & Distribution’s strategic port location brings both advantages and challenges. Its facility keeps supply chains rocking, serving as the crucial first step in importers’ distribution systems in the United States, through port delays and even Superstorm Sandy.

It is critical that 3PLs take a hard look at operations to determine areas for cost reduction, productivity and efficiency improvements, and opportunities for new service offerings and revenue streams.

As shippers evaluate existing, merged, or new 3PL providers, they should also be aware of their own processes and approach to vendor relationships and choose partners that best align with their strategies and needs.

The booming liquor business has added several layers of complexity to the supply chain with the addition of many new product SKUs. Shippers are using technology, data, and collaboration to keep the supply chain moving efficiently.

Investments in pick/put-to-light technology, wearables, robotic AGVs, high-speed conveyors, voice-directed picking, and a warehouse control system equate to an automated, smart, and efficient distribution center.

Establishing the groundwork and collaboration are vital to developing the solutions needed for the significant workforce challenges faced by the transportation industry. A key part of the mission is to attract women to the traditionally male-dominated transportation profession.

Reassessing your reverse logistics plan for customer returns and excess inventory is a must in today’s retail environment. Look beyond traditional methods and approach this obsolete merchandise as an opportunity (versus a headache) to positively impact your business margin.

A system developed by The Smart Cube pulls and aggregates information from all Elizabeth Arden’s contract manufacturers, providing a consolidated, accurate view of data across the company’s supply chain. The cosmetics giant now can see, in real time, the purchases its network of manufacturers makes on its behalf.

Warehouse operations no longer allow for “business as usual” practices. New initiatives and strategic investments in capital improvements will lead to greater returns in productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Investing in the latest materials handling equipment, WMS technology, and physical building improvements will result in a fully integrated distribution center.

Nutrabolt’s rapid growth created several logistics challenges, including processing orders efficiently and quickly; absorbing dramatic swings in order volumes to support promotional campaigns; and providing omni-channel fulfillment through a single warehouse. A third-party logistics partnership with Kane Is Able helped Nutrabolt meet these challenges.

No matter how thoroughly safety training requirements are followed, there are still likely to be gaps in your company’s loading dock safety efforts. Use these tips to better shape safety training plans.

The Internet of Things is bringing major changes to the way companies plan and execute supply chain activities as sensors, communications systems, and analytics solutions all become cheaper, faster, and more capable.

Kelvin Miller, an equipment and mobility readiness spare parts allocation supervisor with the military contractor DynCorp International, manages inventory and gets it ready to deploy when the time comes.

A new study determines the top 15 undergraduate and graduate supply chain management programs in the United States, based on the teaching of technology, software, and quantitative tools used by supply chain professionals, as well as the variety and depth of this coursework.

Supply management professionals are increasingly accepting cross-functional cooperation in purchasing, supply management, production and inventory control to optimize overall company performance and increase competitiveness.

Today’s supply chain environment is more complex than ever, and it is important for business partners to work together across the value chain with the intent to maximize the benefit to their customers .

New regulations ensuring the integrity of the pharma supply chain are nearing the finish line. While some companies have taken an early lead to compliance, others are late getting out of the gate. Which team are you on?

North America’s manufacturing sector is on an upward trajectory. However, a shortage of young talent, compounded by Baby Boomers’ negative perceptions about Millennials, could impact its continued expansion, according to ThomasNet’s latest Industry Market Barometer® (IMB) research.

To mark SmartWay's 10th anniversary, several shipper partners share their best tactics for getting the most out of the program... Sourcing and procurement functions have become areas of core incompetency says new survey.

Bad things happen when systems break down. Flights get canceled. Production lines stop. The critical spare parts logistics involved in getting operations running again demand both precision and speed. Here’s how you can become a wizard at critical shipments.

Pilot program uses drones to deliver time-sensitive goods; Canadian government lines up two new bilateral trade agreements; Labor rights causing supply chain disruption; Using social media to understand carrier usage.

Hunter Harrison documents the culture change that has contributed to Canadian Pacific’s rail renaissance; Global companies more concerned about climate risk than emissions reductions; Deadline for new ISO17712:2013 high-security seal standards is fast approaching; Lack of collaboration between supply chain and finance hurts the bottom line

Energy companies have responded to the escalating cost of doing business by looking for savings in the indirect material supply chain. As a result, many are struggling to optimize maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) functions.

An order management system from DF Young and Superior Technology helps Cintron Beverage Company boost inventory accuracy, fulfill orders easily and quickly, and track products throughout the supply chain.

Shipping freight plays a vital role in supply chain management, yet many shippers neglect to take control of their inbound shipments. Industry experts offer strategies for overcoming five common obstacles to successful inbound freight management.

Managing freight spend and payments challenges many shippers because rules and regulations vary by geography. Supply chain professionals benefit most from a global solution built for freight spend, says Rick Erickson of Syncada.

E-commerce presents retailers with challenges and opportunities; Food regulation top of mind for 3PLs and shippers; Daktronics’ lean machine keeps production at home; Nike partners with Bluesign Technologies to facilitate sustainable sourcing program among supply chain partners.

The transportation and logistics sector is in the midst of some of its biggest changes since deregulation, and 2013 will play a pivotal role in discerning which companies will rise to the top, writes Chad Eichelberger of Access America Transport.

Whether you want to casually brush up on your supply chain management techniques or drastically reorganize your purchasing processes, you’ll find the knowledge you need in the pages of these supply chain resources.

In a business world defined and dictated by change, supply chain management balances challenges and competitive advantage. Companies large and small are leveraging transportation and logistics best practices to act as great equalizers.

Schwan’s Home Services optimized its distribution network by using a hybrid insourced/outsourced model; and Sun-Maid Growers of California used collaborative distribution to create better economies of scale in its transportation operations.

A well-oiled trading partner network allows one-to-many and many-to-many partners to collaborate and communicate using a single source of truth garnered from real-time information, writes Christopher P. Mazza of IAS.

To preserve working capital and promote flexibility, many companies choose to leverage the capabilities of a third-party-logistics (3PL) provider for carrier spend, facility occupancy, and more, writes John Wagner Jr. of Wagner Logistics.

Shippers want 3PL partners that not only responsively evolve service networks and capabilities to flex with the market, but also can anticipate and be ready to meet future service requirements, writes Ray Greer of BNSF Logistics.

As manufacturers strive to strike the perfect balance between parts delivered and parts consumed in production, technology innovations allow logistics providers to ensure companies receive only the parts they need when they need them, writes John Paugh of Carter Logistics.

Whether a company is looking to reduce driver turnover costs or vet a business partner to make sure it has the necessary resources to deliver acceptable customer service, maintaining a dedicated recruitment and retention strategy communicates a strong message both internally and within the extended value chain.

By identifying the value-adds that brand and retail shippers want, logistics providers can position their offerings to bring millions in benefits to their customers and make the relationship stick, writes Greg White of Blue Ridge.

Inbound raw materials and components and outbound shipments that are centrally crossdocked, then line-hauled to final destination, support Lean manufacturing and ensure just-in-time inventory, writes David J. DiSanto of DiSanto & Associates.

Supply chain visibility helps flag upcoming supply or demand problems, allowing a company either to take action to prevent disasters or to respond by activating backup plans, writes George W. Prest of Material Handling Industry of America.

By managing supply chain interdependencies and adopting a full view of service and cost, supply chain executives can amplify their organizational scope and heighten their financial contribution to attain the C-designation they deserve, writes Terry Harris, Chicago Consulting.

As automotive production levels return to pre-recession levels, consistently delivering quality products has become one of the defining characteristics of successful carmakers and logistics service providers, writes J. Scot Sharland, Automotive Industry Action Group.

Having a financing partner that specializes in the transportation industry is important for trucking companies because it will understand their capital needs, collateral values, and financing alternatives, says Nick Weaver, Regions Bank.

When capacity becomes tight, maintaining relationships with asset-based carriers gives shippers the peace of mind of knowing their supply chain and service will remain seamless and fluid, says Terrence M. Gilbert, CEO, New Century Transportation.

Recent pronouncements by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration signal the agency’s retreat from its statutory and historical oversight of carrier safety in favor of placing more due diligence responsibilities on shippers and brokers.

For many businesses selecting sites for new distribution centers and warehouses, ensuring adequate and affordable energy to power the facility is a challenge. Smart companies enlist the help of local resources to explore the cost of utilities in municipalities they are considering for new locations.

If shippers use their third-party logistics partners for more than brokerage—not just as tactical providers, but as strategic partners—a whole new world of logistics excellence and accomplishments could open up, writes Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo.

New international supply chain optimization tools are capable of considering all appropriate shipment flows, modes, routes, and cargo to come up with an ideal workable plan – as often as needed and anytime things change.

Traffic congestion and infrastructure limitations can complicate shipment deliveries in major cities. Carriers such as DHL and UPS use network engineering, communication tools, and contingency planning to ensure they meet customer needs.

New publications on supply chain and logistics topics such as warehousing, sustainability, and procurement help logistics professionals stay sharp. Here are some recent books on supply chain topics of interest.

With proper care and nurturing, you can create a supply chain that performs beautifully – even in the midst of today’s ever-changing business environment, writes Wendy Buxton, LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions.

Trucking load boards have evolved from bulletin boards in truck stops to sophisticated social networking-style tools on handheld computers. Charles Myers of uShip.com outlines the benefits of the evolved load board.

Demand for less-than-containerload (LCL) services is rising among global importer and exporters whose business models rely on cost, inventory control, and supply chain visibility. Greg Scott of CEVA Logistics discusses how the oil and gas, retail, and automotive industries are using LCL services to their advantage.

Intermodal rail facilities located around the United States allow shippers to save transportation costs and move goods efficiently. Transportation infrastructure, a skilled workforce, logistics service providers, and affordable utilities support the manufacturing and distribution facilities located in these intermodal hubs.

Electronics manufacturer Siemens switches from air freight to over-the-road transport for cross-border shipments from Mexico to the United States and Canada, cutting 35 percent from its transportation costs thanks to CFI Logistica.

New e-commerce sites like Groupon and LivingSocial can bring huge sales volume in a very short period of time by reaching a targeted audience with appealing offers. Tod Yazdi of TAGGlogistics explains how shippers can work with fulfillment partners to make the most of this new opportunity.

Recently retired from a 40-year career with less-than-truckload carrier ABF, former president and CEO Wes Kemp shares his insights on the transportation industry, trucking regulation, and the importance of logistics and supply chain education.

In strategic supply chain analysis, multiple groups of decision makers may have conflicting interests, since there can be an impact across departments and business units. Aaron Baker of Damco USA offers two global supply chain strategy examples that illustrate the decision makers and decision variables needed to ensure the chosen solution is optimal for the business.

Nussbaum Trucking and Wabash National collaborated with appliance maker Electrolux to create the X-duty trailer, which combines the protection and security of a dry van with the strength of a heavy-duty flatbed trailer, allowing Electrolux to use the same trucks for its inbound raw material and outbound finished goods shipments.

With companies intent on optimizing the supply chain, purchasing managers have emerged as key players in the business plan. To be successful, they need to communicate, collaborate, and venture into new territory.

Using International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) in transportation contracts give shippers more control over transport and delivery terms. Simon Kaye, CEO of Jaguar Freight Services, explains how importers can use Incoterms Group F for better shipment control.

As more manufacturers establish plants in Mexico, and as Mexican railroads improve their infrastructure and services, demand for rail transportation within the country and across the border with the U.S. continues to rise.

In the wake of a destructive tornado, the Joplin, Missouri, community banded together to provide healthcare services and begin rebuilding, writes Rob O'Brian, president of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

The variety of cargoes that fly in and out of Alaska—ranging from time-sensitive medical supplies and oil field equipment to perishable seafood—means companies must identify specific shipment needs and align them with asset and service requirements.

Unpredictable consumer habits, the economic downturn, and limited ocean carrier capacity have transformed the traditional peak shipping season. Now shippers are preparing for a new reality: peak season variability.

No longer hauling just fresh produce and other groceries, today’s truck and trailer refrigeration systems also keep other high-value loads at ideal temperatures and humidity levels so they arrive safely at their final destinations, writes Thermo King’s Tom Kampf.

Cargo theft is a greater concern than terrorism; University of Tennessee creates advisory board of shipper supply chain executives; Trucks to dominate tonnage and revenue over the next decade; State DOTs get lean and green; Inland ports grow in importance; Best Buy consolidates its brick and mortar presence

A combination of factors such as increased competition and global security threats have increased the pressure on companies to improve logistics efficiencies. Page Siplon, executive director, Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics, addresses these factors and offers strategies for handling them.

Shippers that use only the transactional solutions offered by their 3PL partners are missing the opportunity to benefit from advanced logistics solutions and expertise they helped pay to initiate, implement, and build-out, writes Publisher Keith Biondo.

Gil Carmichael, founding chairman of the Intermodal Transportation Institute at the University of Denver, explains how the United States can create new economic vitality by producing a safe, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly multimodal transportation policy in which rail once again plays a dominant role.

Shipping and logistics professionals facing stricter emissions regulations and rising diesel prices will have an opportunity to take control of their fleets and realize the fuel and cost savings selective catalytic reduction brings, writes Chad Dombroski of Yara North America.

Responding to our annual Readers' Choice Top 10 3PL Excellence survey, Inbound Logistics readers voted on the best third-party logistics providers and related the ways in which they count on their 3PLs.

Containerization reshaped ocean shipping, spurring further innovations such as bigger ships, giant cranes, suburban ports, and intermodal transportation. Future trends will include challenges including how to accommodate ever-larger ships, how to guarantee a chassis supply for shippers and how the dynamics of fuel costs, vessel size, and sailing schedules will impact container rates.

Most ports today compete globally with one another and reflect tremendous productivity gains in ocean transport achieved in recent decades. Simon Kaye of Jaguar Freight offers tips on choosing a port with electronic and data processing sophistication.

Colgate took more than four million miles out of its network while handling five percent more cases of product – and even managed to cut logistics costs, sharing the savings with customers and suppliers.

If you don't file accurate import data with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you put your company at risk for penalties and fines, warns Kevin Shoemaker, director, global solutions for Integration Point Inc.

Most logistics outsourcers today use an RFQ to select their 3PLs. But that model is outdated and ineffective. A handful of forward-thinking shippers and logistics providers are instead embracing a collaborative outsourcing method, with powerful results.

Household moves as a leading indicator of regional growth. Inbound transportation dynamics among manufacturers, distributors and retailers are changing. President Obama's 2011 State of the Union address elicits response from a range of industry groups

Logistics service providers are eligible for a range of certifications, such as C-TPAT, SmartWay, FAST, and IATA. But what they must do to qualify, and why should these certifications matter to shippers?